Lt. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe, promoted Brig. Gen. Crawford among more than 300 service members, Family members, civilians and friends from Germany, Italy, Belgium and those watching via an internet live stream and video teleconference.

“During his time as a Soldier, Bruce has proven time and time again that not only is he a champion, but he builds championship and winning teams,” said Hertling. “Where professional teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to pull together every week, the professionals that Bruce plays with and coaches pull together every single day.”

“I could tell you everything that Bruce has done over the past 26 years – his incredible academic achievements, his leadership of the Airborne Signal Battalion, his selection to be the leader of the Commander’s Initiative Group for the Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and more.”

Hertling went on to show that Crawford is spearheading efforts in cyber defense and also started the Army values campaign Operation Solemn Promise, “which I think is the most important thing going on in USAREUR today.”­

“What makes Bruce so successful is not what he does. It is about who he is and his commitment to our profession, to our people and to our values and his incredible good taste in marrying Dianne, “ said Hertling. “We are very proud to have you on our team,” Hertling added.

“You have a proud family and friends, and you get to continue to command 5th Signal Command, and there is nothing wrong with that because it is the best in the Army.”

Crawford recognized his wife and his two sons, by presenting his sons a special gift and his wife a bouquet of roses. He also thanked more than 30 members of his immediate family including his mother and father who attended the ceremony via VTC from Fort Jackson, S.C. Crawford recognized the impact that they had on his life, and he also highlighted many others who have helped through his 26 years of service.

“My parents are two of the absolute most caring people I’ve ever met and have taught me many lessons about work ethic, the importance of an education, remaining humble and always treating people with dignity and respect, regardless of wealth, station or class,” Crawford said.

When presenting a bouquet of roses to his mother, Crawford added, “your words of wisdom have not fallen on deaf ears and your efforts to raise us all to be good, decent, caring human beings, although a work in progress, has not been in vain.”

Crawford is a native of Columbia, S.C., and was commissioned May 28, 1986, after graduating with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from S.C. State University. He also holds a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Crawford said he is a product of an environment of nurturing family members and encouraging mentors, including his then high school teacher Dr. Clarence W. Hill, who is currently a professor at S.C. State University.

“Ladies and gentlemen, were it not for the mentorship, the out-reach and the uplift some 31 years ago of a young high school teacher and Army veteran, I would not be standing before you today,” said Crawford. “Dr. Hill, I thank you. And my family thanks you one more time, from the bottom of our hearts, for taking a chance on a youngster with no future plans over 31 years ago.”

Crawford emphasized that the entire promotion ceremony was less about him and all about an, “opportunity to publically thank those who are most responsible for me standing here today, as a Soldier, as a father, as a husband and as a friend wearing the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Army.”

CLAY KASERNE, Wiesbaden, Germany (Sep. 4, 2012) – Brig. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford’s sons, pin the rank of brigadier general on their father while his wife looks on at the Community Activities Center here Sept. 4. (Official U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Brian Rodan)(released)